AAR Signs Major Inventory Support Deal with UK Airline Flybe

July 29, 2013
Under the terms of the agreement, AAR will support Flybe's operational needs for wheels and brakes inventory for its Q400 fleet.

WOOD DALE, Illinois, July 29, 2013 – AAR (NYSE: AIR), a global leader in the supply and repair of component parts for the aviation industry, has signed a multi-year inventory support deal with European regional airline Flybe.

Under the terms of the agreement, AAR will support Flybe’s operational needs for wheels and brakes inventory for its Q400 fleet. To that end, AAR has provided the UK-based airline with a large inventory of parts, under a recent sale/leaseback agreement, for the airline to have on hand to support day-to-day requirements.

“This is another good example of how AAR has provided a flexible solution aimed at reducing the operational costs and enabling faster turnaround times for our customers,” said Carl Glover, Vice President, Sales, for AAR’s Aviation Supply Chain Group — Europe, Middle East and Africa.

AAR will house an additional pool of high-demand wheels and brakes inventory in its Amsterdam warehouse to support both Flybe and other Q400 operators in the region, providing them with a lower cost support solution.

“Like many of our customers in the EU, Flybe is working to adapt how it supports its fleet through outsourcing,” added Glover. “We are pleased to be part of the vendor community with which they have recently selected to partner.”

John Palmer, Director of Aircraft Maintenance at Flybe, said: “We are delighted to have concluded this transaction with AAR which gives us an excellent competitive financial outcome whilst ensuring our continuity of supply with an industry leading partner.”

About AAR

AAR is a global aerospace and defense contractor that employs more than 6,000 people in 17 countries. Based in Wood Dale, Illinois, AAR supports commercial, government and defense customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Technology Products. AAR’s services include inventory management and parts distribution; aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul; and expeditionary airlift. AAR’s products include cargo systems and containers; mobility systems and shelters; advanced aerostructures; and command and control systems. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.

About Flybe

Flybe is Europe's largest regional airline with 191 routes serving 15 countries. It operates more UK domestic flights than any other airline and was named Amsterdam Schiphol’s Airline of the Year 2012 Europe. More information can be found at www.flybe.com. Contact: Nial Duffy, Head of P PR and Public Affairs, at +44 (0)1392 266 610 or email [email protected].